Guess I'm biased, but I'd opt for a Pioneer. It only handles the DVD-RW
format, but it burns faster and has a more universally accepted format.
Furthermore, the reason I'd select something from the Pioneer line is
because they offer rock-solid units that have proven durable over the
course of time. You might find something cheaper in another brand, but I'd
be skeptical that the components would last as long as those of a Pioneer
drive. Finally, with the right firmware hacks, you can make Pioneer burners
"outperform" their published specs...not bad at all <smile>!

Daniel A. Dias
Tech, Computer & Network Support
Innovative Business and Information Services (IBIS)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
P.O. Box 808 L-664
Livermore, CA 94551
( 925-423-5638




At 09:17 AM 6/6/2003 -0700, Mark Rode wrote:
>Well, I am just an observer of DVD burners, right now, but it looks like
>the Sony DRU-500A is the hot DVD burner for the moment... and it isn't
>cheap. But It does support both formats.
>
>  If I were to buy a DVD burner, it would probably be this Sony or a
>Lite-on. I have had a number of Lite-on CDR-RW burners, and have never had
>a problem. Plus Lite-on posts lots of BIOS updates to stay current with
>media. Lite-on has announced that they will have a under $100 DVD burners
>out by the end of the year. Lite-on is an actual manufacturer, and they
>supply a lot of OEM and companies like Cyndyne.
>
>Just this week, I purchased a Cyndyne 52X24X42 CDR-RW at a OfficeMax $10
>after rebate sale, that is, in fact, a Lite-on LTR-52246S. I also own the
>real thing, and this one is identical expect for the face plate, which
>doesn't have the Lite-on web site printed on the name plate. The Lite on
>model number is printed on the drive, and it flashes with the Lite-on BIOS.
>Of course, companies like Cyndyne get drives from all sorts of
>manufactures, so if someone was to buy the same Cyndyne drive, they may, or
>may not, end up with the same drive I did.
>
>For my first DVD burner, I would want to buy a drive from a company that
>manufactures the drive, because manufactures are the ones writing and
>posting BIOS updates, and if something goes wrong, I want to know that my
>Sony replacement comes back manufactured by Sony. It is in the manufactures
>interest to keep their customers up to date. It is in third parties
>interest, to have you buy a new and better burner.
>
>Rode
>The NOSPIN Group
>http://freepctech.com
>
>
>>So taking things a bit further...I don't want to start a debate, but are
>>companies like Plextor, Yamaha, and Sony considered the "better" burners
>>in the DVD market just like they seem to be in the CD burner market?  Or
>>can you get by "on the cheap" with drives by Cendyne, Pine, Verbatim,
>>etc?
>>
>>I really should get back to doing my computer parts research.  My
>>interest and lots of my money have turned primarily to home theater :)
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Neal Collins
>>A+
>
>              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
>                     support at our newest website:
>                          http://freepctech.com

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